Newsletter - Wednesday 26 July

Principals Report

Dear Parents/Carers, 

We have noticed a sudden increase in toys, fidget items and stuffed creatures coming to school. Unless specifically requested by the teacher for show and share or other classroom activity, these items can be disruptive to the learning environment and cause jealousy among the other children.

Football and other trading cards are also appearing both in the classroom and outside at recess. These items usually become a source of conflict and/or upset because they get damaged, lost or ‘borrowed’ by others.

We strongly recommend that these items not be brought to school and encourage students to develop friendships by playing games that are both safe and inclusive. 

Parent Teacher Interviews: Thank you to all families for attending last week’s parent-teacher interviews.  Attending these  interviews is one way of showing your child that you’re interested in their learning and their life at school while also promoting the communication lines between school and home. 

Book Fair: Our school Book Fair last week was a great success with total sales of $4,440.00.  The school will receive a commission with which to buy new resources for our school library. Thanks to Megan Briganti, and Di O’Hehir for their organisation.

Winter Sports: Our Inter-school Winter Sport competition of football, netball and newcomb for the Grade 5/6 students began last Friday against St Catherine’s Berwick (White). The scores were:

Football:  St J (5-6-36) to St C (2-6-18) Newcomb:  St J (0 sets) to St C (3 sets)

Netball A:  St J (4 goals) to St C (7 goals)   Netball B:  St J (7 goals) to St C (9 goals)

This Friday, we play St Catherine’s (Maroon) at home commencing at 1:00pm.

Italian Day: Buongiorno a tutti!  To support our Italian Language program, and to celebrate all things Italian, next Wednesday 2nd August, we are holding an ITALIAN DAY. On the day, students will be involved in various Italian themed activities; a flyer has been sent out via SeeSaw with more information.

National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children's Day:  The theme is ‘Little Voices, Loud Futures’

On Friday 4 August students are invited to raise money and awareness in celebration of the day.  We will be walking 2 laps of the oval at recess for a gold coin donation, all money raised will go directly to the ‘Opening The Doors Foundation - We Walk Together Initiative’, where it will be used to assist Indigenous students to access educational resources. You can find out more information at https://openingthedoorstogetherwewalk.raisely.com/the-challenge

Sacrament of Confirmation:  This term a number of our Grade 6 students will be making their Sacrament of Confirmation.  This is a very exciting time for them and we ask that you keep them in your prayers.  Important dates to remember:

Sunday 6 August 2023 - Commitment Mass, 9:30am St John’s Church
Sunday 27 August 2023 - Learning Mass, 9:30am St John’s Church
Thursday 31 August 2023 - Parent/Student Workshop, 6:30pm St John’s Primary School
Saturday 9 September 2023 - Sacrament of Confirmation, 6:00pm St John’s Church

Enrolments for the 2024 school year will be closing soon, please ensure all enrolment forms and supporting documentation are handed to the office ASAP. Planning for next year is already underway.

Regards

Chris Dortmans, Principal

Italian Day ~ Wednesday 2nd Aug

In conjunction with the students Italian lessons we will be holding Italian Day on Wednesday 2nd August. 
Students are asked to wear the colours of the Italian flag on this day or traditional Italian costume (if you have this). 
Activities for students during the course of the day will include:

• Special guest performer
• classroom activites
• Italian themed photo booth available during the day and at lunchtime

Italian Day Lunch ~ will be available to order via CDFPay shortly ~ please ensure orders are placed by 9am Monday 31st July to allow for catering.

• Pasta with Napoli Sauce & Cheese, Garlic Bread and a cup of Gelto for $5 
• Gluten free & Vegetarian options available

Religious Education News

Last week our Social Justice Leaders launched the St Vincent de Paul ‘Tinnies For Vinnies’ Winter Appeal. This is an annual campaign organised by the St Vincent de Paul Society, who work tirelessly to help those in need in our community. This appeal takes place during the winter season when vulnerable individuals and families often face additional challenges due to harsh weather conditions. The Tinnies For Vinnies Winter Appeal aims to alleviate the hardships faced by these individuals and ensure they have access to basic necessities, such as food, shelter, warm clothing, and heating facilities.

As part of the St John’s approach to the Catholic Social Teachings of Dignity of the Human Person & Preferential Option for the Poor, we are asking families to consider giving to the appeal this year by donating non-perishable food items, non-food items, and winter woollies. A list of example items is shared further in this newsletter. Each classroom has been provided with a donation basket and donations can be made up until the end of August.

We thank you for your support during this campaign as we aim to bring hope, warmth, and a sense of belonging during a time when it is needed most in our community.

Alycia Matthews, Religious Education Leader

Pray Together

Koorie Community Education Meeting

On behalf of the Southern Melbourne & Bayside Peninsula Local Aboriginal Education Consultative Group (LAECG), Koorie Community (Koorie Parents, Carer’s, Guardians, Students and families) are invited to come along and have a yarn about Koorie Education.

You will hear about who Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated (VAEAI) are, what they do within the local region, hear from staff members as well as other supports that are provided from Early Years through to Schools, the Vocational Education & Training (VET)/ Higher Education (e.g. Universities).

Lunch will be provided as a “Big Mob” Cook-up (BBQ)

Upcoming Events

St Johns Art Show - Save the Date

Canteen

Canteen is open on Mondays and Thursdays for lunch orders all orders must be placed via CDFpay prior to 8:45am on canteen days. 

If you have any queries in relation to canteen please email canteen@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au

Uniform Shop

Uniform orders are processed on Monday & Thursday, orders must be placed by 2pm on these days via CDFpay (uniform shop is online only please follow the link above to access CDFpay). 

For exchanges or general enquiries in regard to sizing, second hand uniform etc please email Belinda: 

uniform@stjohnskwr.catholic.edu.au 

Exchanges: After emailing the details of your exchange requirements please drop the item at the office with your name attached, exchanges will be processed on the next uniform shop day. 

Please note: All items being exchanged MUST be unwashed with tags still attached. 

As we are a ‘Sun Smart School’ we also require the children to wear a school hat from September to April with the ‘No Hat-No Play’ policy strictly enforced during 1st and 4th terms. 

School uniform guidelines are in the process of being updated and will be available shortly.

OSHC (Out of School Hours Care)

After School Hours Care operates out of the St Johns hall before and after school.

Please contact OSHC directly for all enquiries:

• 1300 946 337
• EnrolmentsOSHC@windermere.org.au

Alternatively you can visit them in the hall before or after school to enquire. 

Koo Wee Rup Catholic Parishes in Partnership